Patricia Louise Lopez

Odessa - On June 22, 2025, in the darkest hour before dawn, Patricia Louise Smith-Lopez, slept peacefully and surrounded by family when she transitioned onward to meet the Almighty - but not without an appropriate amount of "kicking and screaming" as she always said she would. Patricia fought a long battle against the ravages of rheumatoid arthritis over the last two decades, but it was a shorter bout with compounding illnesses that had the nerve to wear her down.

Born to Helen and Air Force Lt. Col Todd Smith on June 18, 1944, in Allentown Pennsylvania, Patricia's childhood was filled with globetrotting travel as a military brat in Japan, Germany and several states across the U.S. The constant travel was exciting and formative but also instilled in Patricia a yearning to plant roots. While attending the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas, Patty Lou Smith met dashing young law school student, Gerald R. Lopez in 1966. It was love at first sight, connecting deeply over their Roman Catholic faith and shared passion for the civil rights actions of the era. One of Patricia's fondest memories was once presenting flowers to President and Jackie Kennedy. She earned a Bachelor's of Science degree and worked as a Medical Technician in San Antonio.

The starry-eyed Patty and Jerry married on March 21, 1967, and went straight to work on achieving their dream of filling a whole church pew with a dozen children. Although they did not reach a complete 12, they did indeed fill a pew with their brood of 9 children; Dominic, Benjamin, Delano, Tobias, Adelita, Gabriel, Daniel, Noel and Amanda. The young couple lived in San Antonio, Washington D.C. and Denver, CO before ultimately planting their roots in Odessa in 1975.

Raising her kids was Patricia's full-time, 24/7/365 job. Days were spent taxiing kids to soccer practice, gymnastics, theater school, dance class, etc. She contributed to the formation of the Revolution Soccer Club, with founder Jerry, and served as Secretary. Patricia was her kids' biggest fan and never missed a play, recital, game or tournament, even if it meant driving halfway across Texas and back in a single day. She was often seen as the lone spectator, shivering on the sidelines of the soccer field, while others huddled for warmth in their cars. She'd go anywhere to see her children perform even if that meant watching a band in a dive bar or cheering on entertainment wrestling in a random parking lot.

The Matriarch to Many, Patricia's work didn't stop with just her own. Mothering was an undeniable part of her nature and "Mama Lopez" happily stepped in as a 2nd mother when called upon. The Lopez Home became known as a refuge for runaways or a disciplined environment for struggling teens. Several of her kids' friends, friends' kids, extended family members and foreign exchange students lived in the Lopez home for months or years, throughout the '80s and '90s.

A natural born leader, active community member and patron of the arts, Patricia volunteered for the Permian Playhouse, Ector County Library and Ellen Noel Art Museum to name a few. An avid reader and lover of the written word, Patricia was a member of the Odessans for Literacy monthly book club for over 30 years, completing each book and attending every meeting as religiously as Sunday mass. Taking an opportunity to spend more time with her then elementary age grandchildren, Patricia volunteered at Austin Elementary in the VIPS program, focusing on improving reading skills for PreK-3 - 2nd grade. Education was a bedrock of her beliefs and she also once ran for the Ector County School Board.

With her razor-sharp wit, bright mind and practical wisdom, Patricia enjoyed a stint as a columnist for The Odessan and Odessa American newspapers, writing a highly popular weekly opinion editorial. She was a self-appointed Chief of the Grammar Police, and her day was never complete until she finished her crossword and other puzzles. Patricia and Jerry also found delight in weekly Dungeons and Dragons games led by eldest son Dominic for over 13 years. Being wheelchair bound, playing out the fantasy of being a sword wielding rogue nicknamed "The Finisher", gave her great joy.

Always advocating for justice and equal rights for all, Patricia was also active with Ector County Democrats, the League of Women Voters, and Christian Women's Club. Being involved in her church and community provided Patricia with those deep roots she craved throughout her nomadic childhood. She deeply cherished the lifelong friendships she cultivated here. The family would like to thank all the friends who have been an invaluable support system in recent weeks. Beloved by so many, there was a constant stream of visitors at her bedside to ensure that Patricia never spent a moment alone during her extended hospitalization.

Her love for her 7 grandchildren was unmatched, bringing her endless joy and beaming smiles of pride. Patricia adored dark chocolate, black coffee and black licorice.

Patricia is preceded in passing by her beloved grandparents, parents Helen and Todd, and youngest son, Noel. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Gerald, children Dominic, Ben (granddaughter, Taylor Beck), Delano (grandson Peregrin), Tobias (grandson Ashton, granddaughter Alexa), Adelita, Gabriel, Daniel (wife, Maria, granddaughters Zaida and Anai, grandson Noah) and Amanda; brother Richard Smith and wife Corinne, niece Elaine, sister Terri Smith, cousin Stephen Moore and so many more of her unofficial foster children, extended family and loved ones.

A funeral mass will be held at St Mary's Catholic Church at 1pm 6-30-25. A celebration of life will take place in fall of 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Bookworm Literacy Project at Education Foundation of Odessa would honor Patricia's legacy and make her smile. www.educationfoundationodessa.org